Taylor to face rape charges next month

The retired New York Giants star, 51, was arrested on 6 May (10) at a hotel in Montebello, New York amid allegations he paid a 16-year-old girl $300 (GBP200) for sex.

Last month (Jul10), he entered a not guilty plea to charges of third-degree rape, patronising a prostitute, sexual abuse and endangering a child.

On Wednesday (25Aug10), Taylor’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, and prosecutors met behind closed doors with New York Supreme Court Justice William Kelly for the first time since Kelly took over the case. Kelly was assigned the case this month (Aug10) after Rockland County Court Judge William Nelson recused himself for undisclosed reasons.

Kelly set a court date for 24 September (10), when a plea deal could be offered, reports the New York Post.

Taylor was not present at the hearing, where Aidala reportedly reiterated his defense, insisting the icon was arrested because of a young girl’s lie.

Aidala reportedly told the judge: “She did lie. She did not know who he was, but she did know that he was a famous athlete.”